Mr. Kalejaiye Paul, a representative from the Ajeromi-Ifelodun Federal Constituency in Lagos State, lamented the phenomenon known as japa syndrome, where Nigerian graduates leave the country for menial jobs abroad. He highlighted the urgent need for life-changing initiatives that could encourage individuals to stay and contribute to the progress of their home country. The representative voiced his concern at an event dubbed ‘First Annual Merciful God Concert & Talent Hunt 2023,’ organised by him which featured choirs from 200 churches.

Paul stated that japa syndrome had become a significant issue recently, with graduates leaving Nigeria due to a perception of better opportunities abroad. He advocated for such individuals to look for opportunities within Nigeria, emphasizing the potential benefits that such a mindset shift could bring to the country. He then proposed programs that spot and develop talents, thus making the Nigeria-based graduates more competitive and employable.

Speaking on the objective of the talent hunt, Mr. Paul explained that the program was a fulfillment of a promise he made to God during his pre-elections journey. He sees it as an avenue to identify and encourage talents, using Churches and Mosques as the starting points. The talent show saw a registration of over 200 choir groups.

The Chairman of the Talent Hunt and Judges Committee, Olusegun Osinaike, revealed that N3 million was set aside for the finalists. The event also received commendation from The Olu of Iwa & Apapa Kingdom, Oba Moroof Oyekunle Atanda Oluwa, who appreciated the initiative’s potential to discourage social vices caused by idleness among youth.